Cubs Eyeing Multiple Bullpen Options Ahead of Trade Deadline
With the July 31 MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing bullpen reinforcements, according to The Athletic. The team has expressed strong interest in at least four relievers across three clubs: Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves.
While Iglesias hasn’t had his best season in Atlanta, his track record and clubhouse leadership keep him in the mix. “Raisel Iglesias is not having his finest season with the Atlanta Braves, but he is one of several options under consideration, due to his long history of success, as well as his reputation for being a positive clubhouse presence,” wrote Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma.
Duran, meanwhile, has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite a middling ERA, the Twins’ bullpen is viewed by scouts as highly talented. Cubs evaluators came away particularly impressed during a recent series at Target Field, where Minnesota’s dominant relief pitching helped secure the series win.
The Cubs, currently tied with the Milwaukee Brewers atop the NL Central at 61–43, have a variety of paths they can explore to strengthen their bullpen for the stretch run.
Cubs’ Bullpen Targets Could Shape NL Central Race
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a heated battle for the NL Central crown. While they’re currently tied with the Milwaukee Brewers atop the division, both the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals remain close behind, making every move down the stretch critical.
Chicago’s decisions at the trade deadline could significantly impact how the rest of their season unfolds—especially in the bullpen, where they’ve zeroed in on four high-upside arms. Each has flashed elite potential this season.
Among the Cubs’ top targets is Twins setup man Griffin Jax. Though his ERA sits at 4.00, The Athletic notes that his underlying numbers are far more impressive: a 36.5% strikeout rate and just a 6.8% walk rate. “The Cubs are also enamored with (Twins) setup man Griffin Jax,” wrote Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma.
Another intriguing option is Pete Fairbanks of the Rays, who has stepped into the closer role in Tampa Bay. While his strikeout numbers are down, his ability to induce ground balls could make him an ideal fit in front of Chicago’s defensively solid infield. “Despite a lower strikeout rate, the results are there, and his solid groundball rate would pair well with Chicago’s infield,” the writers added.
With the trade deadline looming and the division race tightening, the Cubs’ next move could be a turning point. They’ll take the field again Sunday in a crosstown matchup against the White Sox, as front-office decisions continue to swirl in the background.
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